Chapter 46 From Now On, Our Happiness Together

From Now On, Our Happiness Together

“Hmm… I think we should entrust the SD card to Mushakoji-san and have her deliver it to the right person.”

I proposed an unexpected fourth option.

“W-what do you mean!?”

Startled, Hatsune’s eyes widened in shock.

“Yeah… Actually, I had a feeling something like this might happen, so I talked to Mushakoji-san about it beforehand.”

That’s right… Back when we spoke during the mixer, Mushakoji-san had mentioned that her father had strictly warned her to stay out of it.

That meant he had some level of knowledge about this massive fraud case.

If that was the case, then perhaps we could use the SD card—packed with all the incriminating evidence—as a bargaining chip to ensure Hatsune’s safety.

“…At the very least, we can trust Mushakoji-san, and she has the ability to negotiate with her father. That’s why…”

“Hatsune-senpai… please, let me handle this! Two years ago, I couldn’t do anything for you. Let me have my chance to make things right!”

Mushakoji-san pleaded desperately, stepping closer to Hatsune.

After all, she, too, had suffered because of what happened to Hatsune…

“B-But… I don’t want to cause trouble for you too, Mikoto…”

“This isn’t trouble at all! I’ll be fine, I promise!”

“Mikoto…”

Overwhelmed by Mushakoji-san’s determination, Hatsune hesitated for a moment before finally handing over the SD card.

“Mikoto… I’m sorry, okay…?”

“What are you talking about? I’ll keep this SD card safe…!”

With a firm nod, Mushakoji-san carefully tucked the SD card away.

“Hatsune-senpai… well, I’ll be off now. Naoe-kun… please take care of Hatsune-senpai.”

“Yeah.”

And with that, she left.

“…Hatsune, shall we go?”

“…Yeah.”

I wrapped my arm around Hatsune’s shoulders, holding her close as we walked toward the station.

Two weeks had passed since we entrusted the SD card to Mushakoji-san. Hatsune had finally regained her energy, and her smile had returned.

According to Mushakoji-san’s report, she had successfully delivered the SD card to her father, who in turn promised to ensure Hatsune’s peaceful life in exchange.

What’s more, from what her father revealed, it turned out that some of the most powerful figures in politics and business were involved in this case. If the SD card had leaked, it could have caused irreparable damage to the country.

And if we had handed it over to the police or disposed of it ourselves, the blame—until now directed at Hatsune’s father, Kakizaki Hodaka, who had been missing—could have instead shifted to Hatsune, putting her in danger.

Seriously… what an absolute mess this whole situation was.

That’s why, according to Mushakoji-san, her father was deeply grateful to Hatsune.

Mushakoji-san relayed a message from him, stating that if the time ever came, the Mushakoji Group would provide their full support to Hatsune.

As for the Kakizaki Farm massive fraud case, it seemed like the discovery of Kakizaki Hodaka’s body would reignite the controversy… but instead, the issue was quietly buried within days.

This was likely due to the influence of the Mushakoji Group… or perhaps, the powerful figures recorded on that SD card had pulled strings behind the scenes.

As a result, the media no longer even mentioned the case, instead shifting their focus to other news as usual.

Regarding Kakizaki Hodaka himself, although the forensic autopsy had been completed, he had yet to be formally declared not guilty, meaning his remains had not been released.

However, when it came to his personal belongings, Detective Takahashi had apparently worked behind the scenes, ensuring they were safely returned to Hatsune.

Given the potential financial repercussions of the case, we had planned to renounce any inheritance. We were careful when handling the return of his belongings, but thankfully, everything was harmless—just simple keepsakes.

In any case… it was safe to say that Hatsune was now completely free from the massive fraud case.

But that didn’t mean the emotional wounds she suffered had simply disappeared.

I… wanted to spend my entire life healing those wounds for her.

“Hatsune.”

“Ahaha… What is it? You’re being so clingy today.”

As we washed the dishes together, I suddenly hugged Hatsune from behind, playfully getting in her way. She smiled wryly.

“No matter what… let’s be happy together.”

“…Yeah. As long as I have you, I’m already happy.”

Haha… I knew she’d say that.

“Alright then, since I have the day off from work today, should we go out somewhere?”

“Hmm… No, I should probably focus on studying. I need to catch up on everything I missed.”

“Ugh… C-come on, can’t you take at least today off and have some fun?”

I tried to persuade her, but…

“Ahaha! No way! I’m going to Chuho University with you, remember?”

“Ugh… When you put it that way…”

In the end, my suggestion was rejected.

But then…

“Ehehe… Don’t worry, once I’m done studying, we can, you know… cuddle a whole lot…”

“Alright! Let’s start studying right now!”

Haha… I really was so simple.

Just a few words from her were enough to make me the happiest person alive.

“Hey, Yuuta.”

“Hm?”

“Ahaha… I love you!”